Denis Michael Howard, age 77, of rural Novelty, MO, passed away Tuesday, March 4, 2025, in University Hospital in Columbia, MO. He was born May 17, 1947, in Columbia, MO, the son of Robert Anderson and Mary Rose Muster Howard. He was united in marriage to Dorothy Ellen Aucutt on June 7, 1969 in Novelty, MO.
Denis graduated from Auxvasse High School and attended Northeast Missouri State University in Kirksville, MO.
Denis worked with the mentally handicap all of his life. He worked in Kirksville, Macon and Monroe City, MO. Denis loved sports especially the St. Louis Cardinals. He loved Jesus, spending time with his grandkids and fishing.
Surviving are his wife Dorothy Ellen Howard of Novelty, MO, three children, David Eugene Howard of Novelty, MO, Daniel Matthew Howard and (Joy) of Madison, MO, and Deborah Elizabeth Fugeat and fiancée Jonathan Long of Stoutsville, MO, one sister Maryanne Watson of Fulton, MO, eleven grandchildren, David Howard and (Tannie), James Howard and (Whitney Sickal), Joshua Howard, Rebecca Howard, Michael Howard and (Sara), Kayla Doerhoff and (Mike), Kelsey Sexton and (Jacob Burch), Elisabeth Hull and (Karson), Christopher Howard and (Lexi), Justin Schuman and (Muriah) and Matthew Schuman and (Aray), sixteen great grandchildren, Landyn, Evey, Paxton, Spencer, Raegen, Isabella, Charlie, Payden, Imberlynn, Alexander, Zoe, Zayden, Zailey, Mason, Zeke, and Brilee. Also surviving are several nieces and nephews.
Denis was preceded in death by his parents, one grandchild Ian Howard, one great grandchild Haden Howard, two brothers Ross Howard and Joey Gooldey.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, March 8, 2025, in the Mt. Pisgah Mennonite Church in Cherry Box, MO. Visitation will begin at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday and services will follow at 10:30 a.m. at the Church. Burial will be in the Eucebia Cemetery west of Novelty, MO. Officiating the services will be Pastor Tim Worstell.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Hudson-Rimer Funeral Home in Edina, MO.
Casket bearers will be Phil Abbacchi, Larry Price, Jonathan Long, David Rinehart, Dustin Schmitz and Gary Hipkins.
Memorials are suggested to the Mt. Pisgah Mennonite Church. Memorials may be left at or mailed to Hudson-Rimer Funeral Home, P.O. Box 1, Edina, MO 63536.
Online condolences may be left at www.hudsonrimerfh.com